Manchester City Player Ratings vs Man United

Sergio Aguero made the difference in the 168th Manchester derby, knocking back any thoughts that United may have harboured as to challenging for the Premier League title, but what about the other City players? We’ve got the Manchester City player ratings vs Man United right here:

Joe Hart (Goal Keeper) :: 7/10

Not too much to do during the game, but when called upon, Hart was back to his best and reacted superbly to deny Robin van Persie and Angel di Maria. Would have got 8.5 but for being a bit daft and almost head-butting referee Michael Oliver. Hmm…

Pablo Zabaleta (Right Back) :: 8/10

Solid as ever and more than a match for Januzaj and/or Di Maria at any time in the game. Not many full-backs are able to both defend and attack but Zabaleta is one of the few and good to see he was back to his old self again Sunday. Only slight shadow on his performance was a caution, but that’s being a bit picky.

Vincent Kompany (Centre-Back) :: 7/10

There aren’t too many players that would easily spring to mind if you were asked to explain what Manchester City stand for, but Vincent Kompany would have to be top of most people’s list. Immense again, making the challenges that matter and leading as a captain should do. Only worry was competition against Belgian counterpart, Marouane Fellaini, with the ‘afro haired’ midfielder managing to get in front of Kompany more often than not.

Martin Demichelis (Centre-Back) :: 8/10

Often criticised as being too old and too slow, but more than a match for United’s Robin van Persie and at the moment, more reliable and up to speed with what’s required in the Premier League than new signing Mangala

Gael Clichy (Left Back) :: 8/10

Should have been on the subs bench but ended up starting the match after Kolarov managed to injure himself in the warm-up. Solid display both in defence and when attacking United’s right flank. Showed why he’s still important for City in providing the assist for Aguero.

Fernando (Centre Midfielder) :: 7/10

More affective than Fernandinho in midweek and happy to do most of the ‘dirty work’ and let Yaya Toure roam free. Good display that helped keep things together.

Yaya Toure (Centre Attacking Midfielder) :: 7.5/10

Would have got a higher rating but only really came to life once Chris Smalling decided he’d had enough and wanted to go home! Much more like the Yaya of last season, pushing and probing and playing the ball to Clichy to assist Aguero for the goal. More of that please Yaya.

Jesus Navas (Right Winger) :: 8/10

Pacey and a thorn in the side of Luke Shaw all afternoon. I really don’t understand why Manuel Pellegrini doesn’t play the Spaniard more often, perhaps it’s down to the fact that he’s not always the best when City don’t have the ball, but with Zabaleta behind, he’s worth the gamble more often than not. Great little dribble at the end which should have resulted in a goal, but instead hit the post.

More from Man City Square

Stevan Jovetic (Centre-Forward) :: 6/10

Jovetic has been looking to make his mark in this squad for quite some time now and so when you get the chance, you need to take it, yet this was a poor display with little apparent conviction and poor technical ability. Needs to do better if he wants to cement a place in the starting XI

Sergio Aguero (Forward) :: 9/10 (Manchester City Square Man of the Match!)

Consistently the only forward that is happy to play the link-up man between the forward line and midfield. Never stops running and makes it almost impossible to mark him – just what a centre-forward should be. Scored one and should have had at least one penalty. The difference on the day.

James Milner (Midfielder) :: 7/10

An all-round midfielder who once again never gave up and showed some other players the type of commitment they too need to show. Great going forward, and more than capable in defence. Why was he subbed?

Substitutes:

Samir Nasri :: 5/10 – Not up to match speed after a lengthy lay off but needs to get back into the swing of things quickly if he’s going to have an affect this season.

Edin Dzeko :: 5/10 – Needs to be more dynamic and make himself available, rather than relying on balls being played across the box.

Fernandinho :: 5/10 – Only came on for last few minutes in place of Aguero (yeah why???). Not up to the pace or the occasion and needs to get himself in tune with the game and the league.

Job done, now more of the same for the next match against Queens Park Rangers.